UDF-ruled panchayat in Malappuram seeks review of Kerala govt’s Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme
A UDF-ruled panchayat in Malappuram has passed a resolution requesting the exclusion of government employees from the state's free bus travel scheme. The council argues that the policy negatively impacts private bus operators and should prioritize financially vulnerable citizens.
Why it matters
This highlights internal political friction regarding the implementation and economic sustainability of populist welfare schemes.
The Othukkungal grama panchayat in Malappuram district, ruled by the United Democratic Front (UDF) constituent Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), has passed a resolution seeking to exclude women government employees from the Kerala government’s free KSRTC travel facility under the Priyadarshini scheme.
The resolution, moved by welfare standing committee chairperson Khamarudheen, welcomed the social benefits provided by the scheme but called for changes in its implementation.
It said the free travel scheme had adversely affected private bus services in the State, with operators facing a significant drop in passenger numbers.
The panchayat argued that women government employees with a regular income and other employment benefits should be excluded from the scheme. At the same time, it called for priority to be given to women from financially weaker sections.
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